Commission approves West Congress sidewalk assessments as business owner urges probe into failing concrete

The Sturgis City Commission approved special assessment rolls for multiple sidewalk projects while grappling with a public complaint that recently repaired pavement is degrading prematurely.

City engineer Barry Cox presented the Phase 1 portion of the 2021 West Congress Street special assessment (district 2021‑03), reporting a final sidewalk repair cost of $4.80 per square foot for the M‑66 to Prairie Ave. segment and recommending that owner costs be spread over five years with a 5% annual interest charge on remaining balances. The commission voted to approve the assessment and the proposed payment terms.

Barry said Phase 2 of the same 2021 district (Prairie to South Clay) carried higher costs—$9.99 per square foot—because work occurred two years later and concrete pricing had risen. As Barry summarized the phase 2 materials and costs, a nearby property owner who identified himself as Roger presented photos and detailed observations that newly poured concrete in parts of the project is already showing aggregate loss and potholing.

"If I'm going to pay the money, I want to understand that I've have good concrete that's going to last a long time," Roger said, asking the city to investigate whether the mix, aggregate type, winter conditions or contractor technique caused early failures.

Barry told the commission that typical contractor warranty terms in the contract documents are one year and acknowledged the city has seen stone popping and surface cream failures on some earlier pours. He said material experts have been consulted on past projects and that causes can include trapped air pockets and freeze‑thaw action.

Commissioners discussed how any future rework would be handled under special assessment procedures and noted that a future commission and city engineer would evaluate remedies if problems persist. The commission approved phase 2 and authorized the same five‑year spread with a 5% annual charge.

Separately, the commission approved two St. Joseph Street assessment districts established in April 2025: district 2025‑01 (new sidewalks, final as‑built cost $8.38 per sq ft) and district 2025‑02 (repairs, final cost $9.14 per sq ft). Staff said final costs were below original estimates for those districts and recommended the same five‑year payment option with a 5% annual interest charge; the motions carried.

Barry noted he will retire June 19 and will help transition remaining work; commissioners thanked him for his years of service and asked staff to monitor the condition of the West Congress work.